Governor Stein Highlights Success of NC Youth Apprenticeship Programs

In a significant move to support youth education and workforce readiness, Governor Josh Stein shared that over 500 high school students have finished pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship programs this summer. These programs, organized by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), focused on industries like electrical trades, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology. This builds on the NC Career Launch initiative funded by the US Department of Labor, which has now supported 1,067 students across 48 counties in collaboration with over 165 employers since 2024.

Governor Stein emphasized, “These apprenticeships give North Carolina’s high school students the chance to learn hands-on and earn a paycheck as they explore career pathways in high-demand industries.” He added that this achievement marks just the start of new opportunities for future leaders.

NCBCE Chair Julia Wright highlighted the organization’s 40-year history of connecting employers and educators: “In a matter of weeks, students earn college credit and credentials, employers meet their future workforce, and communities can thrive in the future.”

Careers Electric Summer Academies

The Careers Electric initiative, aimed at cultivating early interest in the electrical and energy sectors, recently received a nod when the BlackRock Foundation selected it for its Future Builders Cohort, standing out from over 1,000 nationwide applications.

Supported by the Siemens Foundation and partners from K–12, community colleges, and industry, the Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academies launched in 12 locations, involving 220 high school students in pre-apprenticeship programs. These included college courses, credentialing, and hands-on learning with employers, at institutions such as Wake Tech and Cleveland Community College.

The BlackRock Foundation’s $1 million grant will further expand these academies into Eastern North Carolina, addressing specific workforce needs, and broaden apprenticeship opportunities statewide. Governor Stein commended the program’s impact during a visit to Cleveland Community College.

Plans are underway by NCBCE and partners to expand these sites by 2027.

Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED)

Now in its third year, the SEED program continues to flourish thanks to funding from the Smithfield Foundation. This summer, 64 students took part in Advanced Manufacturing and Agriculture academies, completing college courses and engaging in work-based learning experiences at community colleges like Wayne and Sampson. Students applied skills in labs and farms, visited companies, and built professional networks.

BioWork Pre-Apprenticeship for Students on the Autism Spectrum

In collaboration with Johnston Community College and Durham Technical Community College, NCBCE’s NC Career Launch hosted a BioWork pre-apprenticeship program for students on the autism spectrum. Thirteen students completed the 140-hour BioWork certificate course, focusing on foundational skills for careers in biotechnology. The program also emphasized employability skills with guidance from UNC’s TEACCH Autism Program, paving the way for further education or registered apprenticeships.

NC Career Launch Summer Youth Apprenticeship Programs

Additional youth apprenticeship programs were launched in counties such as Forsyth and Wake, where over 200 students participated in sectors like construction and health care. These apprenticeships allowed students to gain experience alongside local employer partners.

Health Care Apprenticeship Pathways

NCBCE is at the forefront of developing and scaling healthcare apprenticeships to meet workforce demands. With the support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, NCBCE partners with health systems and educators to attract and train nursing talent. Over 400 individuals completed nursing apprenticeships in the past year, with nearly 20 new programs added.

STEP-NC: First Health Care Apprenticeship in State Government

In July, Governor Stein and NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai announced the launch of STEP-NC, North Carolina’s pioneering health care apprenticeship program within state government. NCBCE acts as the group sponsor, overseeing administrative and compliance tasks, allowing participating employers to focus on training and mentoring.

Under STEP-NC, facilities like Broughton Hospital offered pre-apprenticeships to six high school grads, who received hands-on training in health care. A majority plan to continue into registered apprenticeships locally. In Buncombe County, a six-week pre-apprenticeship was held for high school students at Transformation Villages, focusing on social services.

Supporting North Carolina Workers

Governor Stein has consistently supported initiatives to expand career pathways through apprenticeship models. In February, he allocated Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds to the NC Career Launch program, promoting youth apprenticeships in key sectors. The state’s target is to double apprenticeship numbers, a factor contributing to North Carolina being named the 2026 Top State for Workforce Development by Site Selection Magazine.

In a move to bolster education and career pathways, Governor Stein approved a state budget in July, increasing funding for workforce development and community colleges, with substantial investment in apprenticeship programs.

Click here to learn more about the North Carolina Business Committee for Education.